Dark days: One in ten gets ‘no sunlight at work’

If it’s taking you a while to get back into the swing of things for the new year, you’re not alone.

One in ten employees lacks access to natural light at work, leaving them with feelings of lethargy and depression, says Mental Health Research UK.

And with 30 per cent going to work before sunrise and leaving after sunset in winter, many are at risk of seasonal affective disorder (Sad), it warned.

Dr Laura Davidson, mental health barrister, said: ‘It is estimated a million working hours are lost each year due to Sad. Employers and educational establishments need to take on board just how important natural light is.’

The warning came ahead of ‘Blue Monday’ on January 20. Bad weather, debt and a need for a post-Christmas detox are expected to make this the most depressing day of the year.

Employers could help by encouraging workers to take lunch breaks and ensuring darker areas without windows are well lit, Dr Davidson added.